Popular chicken shop KFC was granted permission to open until 5am in a council meeting which took place on Monday morning.

Local residents near West Street objected to the new hours, claiming it would increase anti-social behaviour and disturbances. 

But councillors agreed to the application saying KFC was a responsible business and there had been no problems reported with the outlet.

The volunteer group Changing Sheff said in their objection: “This is an example of where the need for a few people to have fast food right through the night cannot be more important than the need for a good night’s sleep.”

They also considered the amount of litter that may be left by customers, a growing problem in the city. 

However, students ShefLive spoke to today gave contrasting opinions. Many of them claimed they would enjoy food from KFC after a night out. 

One student said: ‘I feel like they’d make a lot of money because a lot of people come out of The Leadmill and they want some greasy food and KFC is the thing most people want.” 

Another student said it would be a ‘good marketing idea’ for the business. 

KFC already amended the terms of their application after South Yorkshire Police objected to their 24 hour proposal. 

South Yorkshire Police Licensing Department said: “We feel there may be potential for higher levels of custom in the early hours leading to potential issues with those in drink.”

The business agreed to close the shop between the hours of 5am and 7am, along with increasing CCTV measures. 

When granting the licence, Con David Barker said: “The evidence presented today shows that you are a responsible business, there is no sign currently of any issues arising from your business.”

A representative from Changing Sheff, who was in attendance, was reassured in the meeting that if any problems arise, the licence can be revoked and future objections can be made. 

There are multiple other food businesses on West Street open until the early hours of the morning, including Domino’s Pizza and local business Aslan’s. 

Some students however remained loyal to local businesses like Aslan’s, with some claiming KFC is ‘too expensive’.